Fuel tank ullage purge system

a technology of purge system and fuel tank, which is applied in the direction of machine/engine, mechanical equipment, separation process, etc., can solve the problems of adding additional weight, complexity, and expense to the system of inerting

Active Publication Date: 2019-05-28
HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes an aircraft with a device that creates airflow for the engine. It also includes a fuel tank with an inlet and an outlet, which allows airflow from the tank to the external environment. The technical effect is that it provides a way to direct airflow from the tank to the external environment, which can help improve the performance of the aircraft.

Problems solved by technology

Inerting systems add additional weight, complexity, and expense.

Method used

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  • Fuel tank ullage purge system
  • Fuel tank ullage purge system
  • Fuel tank ullage purge system

Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0014]Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1A shows an aircraft 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the aircraft 100 include an aircraft body 102, an airflow source 104, and fuel tanks 110a-110c. In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel tanks 110a-110c utilize the airflow source 104 to transfer fuel vapors from within the fuel tanks 110a-110c to an overboard location 108. Advantageously, by removing fuel vapors from within the fuel tanks 110a-110c potential ignition of fuel vapors is reduced without the use of complex or heavy inerting systems. In some embodiments, the above-referenced fuel tank system can be utilized on-board any suitable vehicle. The term “vehicle” includes any powered conveyance device, including but not limited to aircraft, marine vessels, railroad engines, or roadway motor vehicles. In some embodiments, the vehicle is an aircraft. In some embodiments, the vehicle is a marine vessel such as a marine vessel fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG). In some embodiments, th...

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PUM

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Abstract

A purge system includes an airflow source to provide an airflow, and a fuel tank, including: a tank volume including a tank ullage, at least one inlet, wherein the at least one inlet is in fluid communication with the tank ullage and the airflow source to provide the airflow as an inbound airflow to the tank ullage, and at least one outlet, wherein the at least one outlet is in fluid communication with the tank ullage and an overboard location outside the aircraft to direct the inbound airflow as an outbound airflow from the tank ullage to the overboard location.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The subject matter disclosed herein relates to passivation systems, and more particularly, to passivation systems for use with aircraft fuel systems.[0002]Fuel systems utilized within an aircraft may employ inerting systems to reduce the flammability of fuel vapors within the tank ullage of the fuel tank. Inerting systems within fuel systems may be utilized to provide a nitrogen-enriched environment, an oxygen-depleted environment, etc., to prevent ignition of fuel vapors. Inerting systems add additional weight, complexity, and expense.BRIEF SUMMARY[0003]According to an embodiment, a purge system includes an airflow source to provide an airflow, and a fuel tank, including: a tank volume including a tank ullage, at least one inlet, wherein the at least one inlet is in fluid communication with the tank ullage and the airflow source to provide the airflow as an inbound airflow to the tank ullage, and at least one outlet, wherein the at least one outlet is in fluid commu...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityPatents(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B01D53/02F02C9/18B64D37/02B64D37/32
CPCB64D37/32F02C9/18B64D37/02
InventorTONGUE, STEPHEN E.RHEAUME, JONATHANCORDATOS, HARALAMBOS
OwnerHAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP